The Endocannabinoid System

Why it’s important to keep CBD on the shelves

Cannabis was initially made illegal in 1928 following an international drug conference where a delegate managed to convince everybody that cannabis was a threat to society, stating that it was on a par with opium. Only later did we understand the endocannabinoid system.

However later in 1968, the Wootton report was an investigation into the effects of cannabis which concluded “There is no evidence that this activity is causing violent crime or aggression, antisocial behaviour, or is producing in otherwise normal people conditions of dependence or psychosis requiring medical treatment”

Now almost 50 years later despite cannabis still being illegal in the UK as a recreational drug, there has been a massive rise in interest towards CBD with over 250000 regular users. Why?

The Science of the endocannabinoid system

CBD or Cannabidiol is one of over 80 compounds found in the marijuana plant (or hemp). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive substance (The bit that makes you high). Cannabinoids are also present in other plants and sources.

2) How does it work?

The endocannabinoid system was discovered in the 1980s during research carried out on rats by accident, research then turned to the central system . However recent research has turned back to the endocannabinoid system and discovered that the system is a family of receptors and enzymes which isn’t just exclusive to the brain. In fact, the endocannabinoid system is present throughout the human body. The heart, liver, pancreas, skin, reproductive tract you name it!

Unfortunately, if the system has disrupted signals there can be many disorders associated with this, including diabetes, hypertension, infertility, liver disease and more! The endocannabinoid system appears to be regulating every physiological system in the body and a major feature of human health and disease.

CBD has a very complex effect and is able to activate or inhibit other compounds within the endocannabinoid system. For example, CBD stops the body absorbing anandamide a compound that’s associated with regulating pain, so increased levels of anandamide in the bloodstream may reduce the amount of pain a person feels.

There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors in the body, CB1 receptors are found in the brain and central nervous system and CB2 receptors are found primarily in the immune system These receptors respond to cannabinoids, whether from breast milk or from a cannabis source. Aside from cannabinoids produced by the body and those found in cannabis, there are numerous substances that interact with the cannabinoid system, such as :

Black Pepper

Dark Chocolate

Rosemary

Cloves

Basil

Oregano

Lavender

Cinnamon

Hops

Flax seeds

Curcumin

Breast Milk

Kava

Cacao

Black Truffles

Echinacea

Electric Daisy

Helichrysum Umbraculigerum

Liverwort

But it is the Cannabis family that produce the highest quality CBD that mimics the body’s own the closest.

If just a tenth of what research tells us about CBD is true, then CBD has the same potential as antibiotics, paracetamol and ibuprofen. Scientists in the EU have pointed out that CBD has an almost unprecedented healing power.

Food

CBD has more antioxidant potency than Vitamin C or E with neuroprotective effects and the anticancer potential it’s an amazing food source. CBD enriched health foods, tinctures and oils are the latest revolutions in both food and medicine. There is currently an explosion of creativity amongst entrepreneurs around CBD.

The cannabis edible industry, until recently consisted of space cakes and brownies that would leave you incapacitated for the afternoon, items high in THC (the psychoactive part) Fortunately for today’s seekers of good health or for those with medical complaints , there are now CBD rich edibles that don’t make you high , they are palatable as well as being therapeutically effective.

As the health benefits are better understood, there is a huge potential market of CBD foods is beginning to be realised. Before long there will be a wide range of CBD rich foods and drinks on the market, essentially creating a brand new food sector combining nutrition and health.

The Law

This is the sticky wicket! Currently, CBD rich foods have come to the attention of the foods standards agency who wish to class these as novel foods. This is a food that has not been eaten in the EU prior to 1997. Last week a ban was put in place that all cannabinoid foods were illegal. This effectively means that if you had black pepper on your full English you were a criminal! If you breastfed your child, guess what? You were giving them a novel food. To obtain enough CBD to make a medical significant difference you need to eat, vape or sublingual delivery (under the tongue) CBD to avoid the dangers of smoking. There are no downsides, no side effects, no drug interaction issues and so far no giving your hard earned cash to big pharmacies. Why does it need to be classed as a novel? Is it because big Pharmacies are missing out on cash flow? Is it so wrong for people to have control over their own health and treatment? It is certainly an interesting time and a chance for the public to stand up and have a say.